BUILDING SCIENCE 1

The module is an introduction to the factors that affect the thermal performance of buildings. Its aim is to facilitate students to create acceptable designs which are sustainable (minimizing the use of mechanical cooling systems) and comfortable. The emphasis is on creating acceptable indoor thermal conditions thus minimizing the use of space heating and cooling.

Project 1 : CASE STUDY : ANALYSING PASSIVE DESIGN STRATEGIES

In a group of 6, we were required to choose a building that best features 2 passive design strategy for tropical climate. The building has to be in Klang Valley, certified and recognized as Green Building, we can referred to the building listed in the green building index.

We then have to identify two (2) passive design strategies used for the building and run a thorough research on the passive design strategies, the principles and details needed for these passive design strategies to perform best in tropical climate and to achieve thermal comfort in this building/space.

The building we chose was AraGreens Residence, Damansara that features a stack ventilation and sun shading devices as a passive design strategy.

REFLECTION

Through this project, I had learned how to identify passive design strategies and carry out analysis for the passive design used. My building is a residential area. We had found out that the brochure introducing about passive design used in AraGreens Residence is not accurate. Some are only for commercial purpose. So, it is important to understand and explore the passive design used in the building by ourselves.